| events=[[Arnor#History|Foundation of Arnor]]<br/>[[Rings of Power#The Creation of the Rings of Power|Forging of the Rings]]<br/>[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br/>[[Hobbits#History|Arrival of Hobbits]]<br/>[[Great Plague|The Great Plague]]<br/>[[Fell Winter (Third Age)|The Fell Winter]]<br/>[[Battle of Bywater]]

| events=[[Arnor#History|Foundation of Arnor]]<br/>[[Rings of Power#The Creation of the Rings of Power|Forging of the Rings]]<br/>[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]<br/>[[Hobbits#History|Arrival of Hobbits]]<br/>[[Great Plague|The Great Plague]]<br/>[[Fell Winter (Third Age)|The Fell Winter]]<br/>[[Battle of Bywater]]

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}}{{Pronounce|Eriador2.mp3|Ardamir}}'''Eriador''' is the large region in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]] inhabited by all the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, being the location of many of the most important events of the [[Second Age|Second]] and Third [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Ages]]. By the end of the [[Third Age]] its main inhabitants were [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] and the surrounding lands.

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}}{{Pronounce|Eriador2.mp3|Ardamir}}'''Eriador''' was the large region in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], defined between [[Lindon]] and the [[Blue Mountains]] to the west and [[Rhovanion]] and the [[Misty Mountains]] to the east.

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It was inhabited by all the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, being the location of many of the most important events of the [[Second Age|Second]] and Third [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Ages]]. By the end of the [[Third Age]] its main inhabitants were [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] and the surrounding lands.

The events of the [[First Age]] mostly concerned the peoples of [[Beleriand]] - as such, there is no map drawn by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] which specifically shows Eriador during the First Age. However, the maps of [[Beleriand]] shows that the Blue Mountains existed during the First Age;<ref name="Silm-map">{{HM|S}}, "[[:Image:Beleriand color.jpg|Map of Beleriand]]"</ref> furthermore it is known that [[Morgoth|Melkor]] reared the [[Misty Mountains]] before the arrival of the [[Elves]] in order to hinder [[Oromë]].<ref name="Silm-Captive">{{S|Captivity}}</ref> Therefore during the First Age the eastern and western borders of Eriador were the same as in latter ages.

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It is known that the Blue Mountains existed during the First Age more formidable and longer than in the latter Ages;<ref name="Silm-map">{{S|Map}}</ref> whereas [[Morgoth|Melkor]] reared the [[Misty Mountains]] before the arrival of the [[Elves]] in order to hinder [[Oromë]]<ref name="Silm-Captive">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>. These ranges surrounded the eastern and western borders of Eriador.

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''[[The Silmarillion]]'' states that the [[Iron Mountains]] (''Ered Engrin''), created by Melkor, stretched across the north of the world in a curve from east to west, standing on the border of the [[Dor Daedeloth|region of everlasting cold]].<ref name="Silm-Bel">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref> This information, coupled with [[:File:Arda001.gif|this map drawn by Tolkien]], provides strong evidence that the northern border of Eriador was the Iron Mountains.

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The [[Iron Mountains]] (''Ered Engrin'') stretched across the north of the world in a curve from east to west, standing on the border of the [[Dor Daedeloth|region of everlasting cold]]<ref name="Silm-Bel">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref> and can be considered that they were northern border of Eriador.<ref>It is also seen in [[:File:Steven White Jr. - Arda001.gif|this map drawn by Tolkien]]</ref>

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It is unclear what the borders of Eriador were to the south: it is known that the [[Blue Mountains]] were more formidable and longer than in the latter Ages,<ref name="Silm-map" /> but, due to the different shape of the world, it is unknown whether the [[Greyflood]] or [[Lhûn|Lune]] rivers even existed in the First Age. In ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' the Greyflood is shown following the same route through Eriador and continuing on the same course - passing the lower end of the extended Blue Mountains - before reaching the sea somewhere to the west of the [[White Mountains]].<ref name="Atlas">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'', revised edition, p. 4</ref> Steven White Jr. follows a similar pattern, although he doesn't show the Iron Mountains bordering Eriador to the north while course of the Greyflood follows a more westerly route with the Blue Mountains being somewhat shorter. It should be noted [[canon|canonical]] of either Fonstad's or White's maps is unknown.

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It is unclear what the borders of Eriador were to the south; it is unknown whether the [[Greyflood]] or [[Lhûn|Lune]] rivers even existed in the First Age. Presumably the Greyflood followed the same route through Eriador to the lower end of the extended Blue Mountains - before reaching the sea somewhere to the west of the [[White Mountains]].<ref name="Atlas">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'', revised edition, p. 4</ref>

===Second, Third and Fourth Ages===

===Second, Third and Fourth Ages===

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==Geography==

==Geography==

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:''See also: [[:Category:Eriador]] and [[:Category:Cities, Towns and Villages of the Shire]]''

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:''See also: [[:Category:Eriador]] and [[:Category:Cities, towns and villages of the Shire]]''

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Eriador was a large, inhabited temperature region in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]] which enjoyed warm summers and increasingly cool winters.<ref name="Prologue"/> At its widest extent, it stretched for around 675 miles from east-to-west, around 690 miles from north-to-south, 740 miles from northeast-to-southwest and 750 miles from northwest-to-southeast.<ref name="Distance">Estimates by [[User:Mith]] based on [[:File:Middle-earth map (1 of 4).png|the map from ''The Lord of the Rings'']]</ref>

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Eriador was a large, inhabited temperate region in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]] which enjoyed warm summers and increasingly cool winters.<ref name="Prologue"/> At its widest extent, it stretched for around 675 miles from east-to-west, around 690 miles from north-to-south, 740 miles from northeast-to-southwest and 750 miles from northwest-to-southeast.<ref name="Distance">Estimates by [[User:Mith]] based on [[:File:Middle-earth map (1 of 4).png|the map from ''The Lord of the Rings'']]</ref>

The most important rivers were: the [[Lhûn|Lune]] ([[Sindarin]] ''Lhûn'') which flowed through the Blue Mountains to form the [[Gulf of Lune]]; the [[Baranduin|Brandywine]] (Sindarin ''Baranduin'') which flowed out of [[Lake Evendim|Lake Evendim]] (''Nenuial'') to form the eastern-boundary of [[the Shire]]; and the [[Gwathló|Greyflood]] (''Gwathló'') which formed the southern-border of Eriador. Other rivers include: the [[Glanduin]], which flowed out of [[Eregion|Hollin]] (''Eregion'') and into the Greyflood above [[Tharbad]], forming the [[Swanfleet]] (''Nîn-in-Eilph'') marsh; the [[Bruinen|Loudwater]] (''Bruinen''), passing [[Rivendell]] (''Imladris'') in the [[Ford of Bruinen]]; the [[Hoarwell]] (''Mitheithel'') which flowed out of the [[Ettenmoors]] and over which the [[Last Bridge]] passed; the [[Withywindle]] of the [[Old Forest]]; and [[The Water]], [[Stock-brook]], [[Shirebourn]] and [[Thistle Brook]] which all flowed into the Brandywine from in the Shire.<ref name="Shire-map">{{FR|Part}}</ref><ref name="ME-map">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[:File:Middle-earth map (1 of 4).png|Map 1]]</ref>

The most important rivers were: the [[Lhûn|Lune]] ([[Sindarin]] ''Lhûn'') which flowed through the Blue Mountains to form the [[Gulf of Lune]]; the [[Baranduin|Brandywine]] (Sindarin ''Baranduin'') which flowed out of [[Lake Evendim|Lake Evendim]] (''Nenuial'') to form the eastern-boundary of [[the Shire]]; and the [[Gwathló|Greyflood]] (''Gwathló'') which formed the southern-border of Eriador. Other rivers include: the [[Glanduin]], which flowed out of [[Eregion|Hollin]] (''Eregion'') and into the Greyflood above [[Tharbad]], forming the [[Swanfleet]] (''Nîn-in-Eilph'') marsh; the [[Bruinen|Loudwater]] (''Bruinen''), passing [[Rivendell]] (''Imladris'') in the [[Ford of Bruinen]]; the [[Hoarwell]] (''Mitheithel'') which flowed out of the [[Ettenmoors]] and over which the [[Last Bridge]] passed; the [[Withywindle]] of the [[Old Forest]]; and [[The Water]], [[Stock-brook]], [[Shirebourn]] and [[Thistle Brook]] which all flowed into the Brandywine from in the Shire.<ref name="Shire-map">{{FR|Part}}</ref><ref name="ME-map">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[:File:Middle-earth map (1 of 4).png|Map 1]]</ref>

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* [[Dwarves]]:

* [[Dwarves]]:

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** Since [[First Age]] in both [[Moria]] and in mines on the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="Silm-Sindar"/>

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** Since before the [[First Age]] in both [[Moria]] and in mines and halls within the eastern side of the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="Silm-Sindar"/>

* [[Elves]]:

* [[Elves]]:

** [[Nandor]] as a wood-land people ([[First Age]]);<ref name="Silm-Sindar"/>

** [[Nandor]] as a wood-land people ([[First Age]]);<ref name="Silm-Sindar"/>

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** [[Falathrim]], including some [[Noldor]], at the [[Grey Havens]] (from {{SA|1}});<ref name="App-B1">{{App|B1}}</ref>

** In the [[Westmarch of the Shire|Westmarch]] ({{FoA|31}} onwards).<ref name="App-B5" />

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** In the [[Westmarch]] ({{FoA|31}} onwards).<ref name="App-B5" />

* [[Men]]:

* [[Men]]:

** [[Edain]] and [[Easterlings]] during the [[First Age]] - their descendants stay into the [[Fourth Age]], some living at [[Bree]] and [[Eryn Vorn]];<ref name="UT-Wife" />

** [[Edain]] and [[Easterlings]] during the [[First Age]] - their descendants stay into the [[Fourth Age]], some living at [[Bree]] and [[Eryn Vorn]];<ref name="UT-Wife" />

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Not all of the Teleri continued on the march as when the host reached the great river [[Anduin]] [[Lenwë]] led some of his people southwards away from the rest of his kin: these people became the [[Nandor]].<ref name="Silm-Captive" /> Some of these people eventually passed into Eriador, and dwelt there for a time, before [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], son of Lenwë, gathered as many of the Nandor as possible and removed to [[Ossiriand]] to become the [[Nandor#Lenwë and Denethor|Laiquendi]].<ref name="Silm-Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

Not all of the Teleri continued on the march as when the host reached the great river [[Anduin]] [[Lenwë]] led some of his people southwards away from the rest of his kin: these people became the [[Nandor]].<ref name="Silm-Captive" /> Some of these people eventually passed into Eriador, and dwelt there for a time, before [[Denethor (Nando)|Denethor]], son of Lenwë, gathered as many of the Nandor as possible and removed to [[Ossiriand]] to become the [[Nandor#Lenwë and Denethor|Laiquendi]].<ref name="Silm-Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

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Another group that awoke and appeared during this time were the [[Firebeard]] and [[Broadbeam]] Dwarves. After they had awakened beneath Mount Dolmed, they eventually crossed over into Beleriand in [[Years of the Trees 1250|1250]] and encountered the Sindar for the first time.

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They also built the two great Dwarf cities of Nogrod and Belegost in the Ered Luin, which were the chief suppliers of weaponry to the Elves of Beleriand, and as well as home to the world's greatest crafters.

===First Age===

===First Age===

In {{FA|310}} the first [[Men]] of the [[House of Bëor]] entered [[Beleriand]] from Eriador,<ref name="WOTJ">{{WJ|West}}, pp. 215 and 226</ref> and were discovered by [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]]. These Men quickly made friendship with the [[Eldar]] and entered into their service, but [[Bereg]], great-grandson of [[Bëor]], was discontent and led those of like mind with himself back over the [[Blue Mountains|mountains]] into Eriador.<ref name="Silm-Men">{{S|West}}</ref>

In {{FA|310}} the first [[Men]] of the [[House of Bëor]] entered [[Beleriand]] from Eriador,<ref name="WOTJ">{{WJ|West}}, pp. 215 and 226</ref> and were discovered by [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]]. These Men quickly made friendship with the [[Eldar]] and entered into their service, but [[Bereg]], great-grandson of [[Bëor]], was discontent and led those of like mind with himself back over the [[Blue Mountains|mountains]] into Eriador.<ref name="Silm-Men">{{S|West}}</ref>

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Living in Eriador during the [[First Age]] were also men known as [[Easterlings#Easterlings of the First Age|Easterlings]], or ''Swarthy Men'', who they were led by [[Bór]] and [[Ulfang the Black|Ulfang]]. In {{FA|463}} Bór and Ulfang led many Men into Beleriand, as Men were often drawn westwards, and they met with the Eldar.<ref name="Silm-Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref> Bór was faithful to the Eldar and his people followed [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]], but [[Ulfang the Black|Ulfang]] [[Treachery of Men|betrayed]] the Eldar and [[Edain]] in the [[Nírnaeth Arnoediad]] - even though he swore an oath of allegiance with [[Caranthir]] - successfully fulfilling the designs of [[Morgoth]] in the process.<ref name="Silm-Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

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Living in Eriador during the [[First Age]] were also men known as [[Easterlings#Easterlings of the First Age|Easterlings]], or ''Swarthy Men'', who they were led by [[Bór]] and [[Ulfang the Black|Ulfang]]. In {{FA|463}} Bór and Ulfang led many Men into Beleriand, as Men were often drawn westwards, and they met with the Eldar.<ref name="Silm-Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref> Bór was faithful to the Eldar and his people followed [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]], but [[Ulfang the Black|Ulfang]] [[Treachery of Men|betrayed]] the Eldar and [[Edain]] in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] - even though he swore an oath of allegiance with [[Caranthir]] - successfully fulfilling the designs of [[Morgoth]] in the process.<ref name="Silm-Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

===Second Age===

===Second Age===

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Following the [[War of Wrath]] - and the destruction of [[Beleriand]] - many [[Elves]] left for [[Aman]] whilst the remnants of the [[Edain]] removed to live on the newly-formed isle of [[Númenor]]. The remaining Elves moved to [[Middle-earth]], and in the year {{SA|750|n}} of the [[Second Age]] the remnants of the [[Noldor]] established the realm of [[Eregion]] in the south-east of Eriador.<ref name="App-B1">{{App|B1}}</ref>

Following the [[War of Wrath]] - and the destruction of [[Beleriand]] - many [[Elves]] left for [[Aman]] whilst the remnants of the [[Edain]] removed to live on the newly-formed isle of [[Númenor]]. The remaining Elves moved to [[Middle-earth]], and in the year {{SA|750|n}} of the [[Second Age]] the remnants of the [[Noldor]] established the realm of [[Eregion]] in the south-east of Eriador.<ref name="App-B1">{{App|B1}}</ref>

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In {{SA|600}} the first [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] ships began to visit [[Middle-earth]] and when news of this reached the [[Men]] of Eriador they were amazed and scared. On the [[Tower Hills]] the Númenóreans met with just twelve [[Men]] from Eriador and both sides recognised their ancient kinship: the Númenóreans discovered that these people lived in the hills east of the [[Baranduin]] and were likely the descendants of the people of [[Bëor]] and [[Hador Lórindol|Hador]] who never crossed the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="UT-Wife" />

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In {{SA|600}} the first [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] ships began to visit [[Middle-earth]] and when news of this reached the [[Men]] of Eriador they were amazed and scared. On the [[Tower Hills]] the Númenóreans met with just twelve [[Men]] from Eriador and both sides recognised their ancient kinship: the Númenóreans discovered that these people lived in the hills east of the [[Baranduin]] and were likely the descendants of the people of [[Bëor]] and [[Hador]] who never crossed the [[Blue Mountains]].<ref name="UT-Wife" />

In {{SA|725}} [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] first visits [[Lindon]] and Eriador and begins a long-lasting friendship with [[Ereinion Gil-galad|Gil-galad]]. He made many voyages to Middle-earth and established the haven of [[Vinyalondë]] (later known as [[Lond Daer]]) on the banks of the river [[Gwathir]] - a move which proved crucial in defeating Sauron later in the Second Age.<ref name="UT-Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> As a mariner, Aldarion had a great desire to build ships and in order to this he began deforesting much of the [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]]; this angered the native forest-dwelling Men who subsequently fled to the forest of [[Eryn Vorn]].<ref name="UT-Galadriel" />

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In {{SA|725}} [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] first visits [[Lindon]] and Eriador and begins a long-lasting friendship with [[Gil-galad]]. He made many voyages to Middle-earth and established the haven of [[Vinyalondë]] (later known as [[Lond Daer]]) on the banks of the river [[Gwathir]] - a move which proved crucial in defeating Sauron later in the Second Age.<ref name="UT-Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> As a mariner, Aldarion had a great desire to build ships and in order to this he began deforesting much of the [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]]; this angered the native forest-dwelling Men who subsequently fled to the forest of [[Eryn Vorn]].<ref name="UT-Galadriel" />

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=====War with Sauron=====

=====War with Sauron=====

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[[Sauron]] saw that the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]] were vulnerable and he came to them in the guise of [[Annatar]], "Lord of Gifts", and they welcomed him and he taught them many things of lore and smith-craft. In {{SA|1500}}, when the knowledge and skill of the Elves reached its height, they began the [[Rings of Power#The Creation of the Rings of Power|forging]] of the [[Rings of Power]], but, in {{SA|1600}}, Sauron secretly created [[the One Ring]] to rule over all the other Rings.<ref name="Silm-Rings" />

[[Sauron]] saw that the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]] were vulnerable and he came to them in the guise of [[Annatar]], "Lord of Gifts", and they welcomed him and he taught them many things of lore and smith-craft. In {{SA|1500}}, when the knowledge and skill of the Elves reached its height, they began the [[Rings of Power#The Creation of the Rings of Power|forging]] of the [[Rings of Power]], but, in {{SA|1600}}, Sauron secretly created [[the One Ring]] to rule over all the other Rings.<ref name="Silm-Rings" />

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When Sauron put on the Ring the Elves realised they had been fooled so they hid all the other Rings from him; Sauron, however, demanded that all the Rings be given to him as they were created with his help. When the Elves refused Sauron was vengeful and in {{SA|1693}} began the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] with an invasion of Eriador in {{SA|1695|n}}.<ref name="Silm-Rings" /> In {{SA|1697|n}}, with Celebrimbor's death and Eregion lain waste, [[Elrond]] founds the refuge of [[Rivendell|Imladris]] as a defence against Sauron; Sauron takes over all of Eriador by {{SA|1699}} and besieges Imladris.<ref name="App-B1" />

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When Sauron put on the Ring the Elves realised they had been fooled so they hid all the other Rings from him; Sauron, however, demanded that all the Rings be given to him as they were created with his help. When the Elves refused Sauron was vengeful and in {{SA|1693}} began the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] with an invasion of Eriador in {{SA|1695|n}}.<ref name="Silm-Rings" /> [[Elrond]] was sent by [[Gil-galad]] with a force to aid Celebrimbor, but not only they were unable to stop Sauron, but they would also be destroyed if it weren't for an attack upon Sauron's force from the rear by [[Dwarves]] from [[Khazad-dûm]]. With some survivors from Eregion, Elrond retreated northwards.<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

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[[File:Lastalliance-men.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[War of the Last Alliance]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]

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[[File:Abe Papakhian - Death of Celebrimbor.jpg|thumb|''Death of Celebrimbor'' by Abe Papakhian]]

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[[Ereinion Gil-galad|Gil-galad]] sent word to [[King of Númenor|King]] [[Tar-Minastir]] of [[Númenor]] calling for aid, but when the ships finally arrived in {{SA|1700}} (landing in Lindon and [[Vinyalondë]]) Sauron was already preparing his invasion of [[Lindon]]. The forces of [[Ereinion Gil-galad|Gil-galad]], [[Elrond]] and [[Ciryatur]] caused heavy losses at [[Sarn Ford]] before Sauron's forces were utterly destroyed at the [[Battle of the Gwathló]], with Sauron barely escaping with his life. However, Eriador lay in ruins as many of the native [[Men]], Elves and Númenóreans had been killed by Sauron and his forces had ravaged the lands and destroyed many of the remaining forests.<ref name="UT-Galadriel">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

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In {{SA|1697|n}}, with Celebrimbor's death and Eregion lain waste, [[Elrond]] founded the refuge of [[Rivendell|Imladris]] as a defence against Sauron, and was joined by Men and Elves, swelling his forces; Sauron had taken over all of Eriador by {{SA|1699}}, once he drove the Dwarves back into Khazad-dûm and the gates were shut. While Sauron sent most of his army west to attack [[Lindon]] he had to leave a strong detachment behind to contain Elrond<ref name="Galadriel"/>and [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged Imladris]].<ref name="App-B1" />

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=====Last Alliance=====

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[[Gil-galad]] sent word to [[King of Númenor|King]] [[Tar-Minastir]] of [[Númenor]] calling for aid, but when the ships finally arrived in {{SA|1700}} (landing in Lindon and [[Vinyalondë]]) Sauron was already preparing his invasion of [[Lindon]]. The forces of [[Gil-galad]], [[Elrond]] and [[Ciryatur]] caused heavy losses at [[Sarn Ford]] before Sauron's forces were utterly destroyed at the [[Battle of the Gwathló]], with Sauron barely escaping with his life. However, Eriador lay in ruins as many of the native [[Men]], Elves and Númenóreans had been killed by Sauron and his forces had ravaged the lands and destroyed many of the remaining forests.<ref name="UT-Galadriel">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

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:''See also: [[War of the Last Alliance]]''

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The Elven lords decided in a Council that Imladris should become the new Elvish stronghold in eastern Eriador after the destruction of Eregion; Gil-galad also bestowed the ring [[Vilya]] upon Elrond and made him his vice-regent.<ref name="Galadriel"/>

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=====Last Alliance=====

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:''See also: [[War of the Last Alliance]]''

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[[File:Lastalliance-men.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[War of the Last Alliance]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]

Throughout the [[Second Age]] the [[Númenóreans]] gradually increased their power in [[Middle-earth]] by creating coastal dominions; they eventually have the strength to confront [[Sauron]] and take him prisoner to [[Númenor]]. Whilst there, Sauron seduced the [[King of Númenor|King]] - and most of the people - and persuades [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to break the [[Ban of the Valar]] causing [[Ilúvatar]] to change the shape of the [[Arda|World]], destroying Númenor in the process.<ref name="Silm-Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> [[Faithful|The Faithful]] - those Númenóreans who remained true to the [[Valar]] and friendly with the [[Elves]] - were spared and in {{SA|3320}} [[Elendil]] establishes the two [[Realms in Exile]]: [[Gondor]] in the south and [[Arnor]] in Eriador.<ref name="App-B1" />

Throughout the [[Second Age]] the [[Númenóreans]] gradually increased their power in [[Middle-earth]] by creating coastal dominions; they eventually have the strength to confront [[Sauron]] and take him prisoner to [[Númenor]]. Whilst there, Sauron seduced the [[King of Númenor|King]] - and most of the people - and persuades [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to break the [[Ban of the Valar]] causing [[Ilúvatar]] to change the shape of the [[Arda|World]], destroying Númenor in the process.<ref name="Silm-Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> [[Faithful|The Faithful]] - those Númenóreans who remained true to the [[Valar]] and friendly with the [[Elves]] - were spared and in {{SA|3320}} [[Elendil]] establishes the two [[Realms in Exile]]: [[Gondor]] in the south and [[Arnor]] in Eriador.<ref name="App-B1" />

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Sauron - who is now unable to take fair form<ref name="App-Numenor">{{App|Numenor}}</ref> - returned to [[Mordor]] and in {{SA|3429}} attacked [[Minas Morgul|Minas Ithil]] and burning [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]].<ref name="App-B1" /> [[Isildur]] - son of Elendil - fled north to join his father in Arnor who took counsel with [[Ereinion Gil-galad|Gil-galad]], for both foresaw the need to triumph over Sauron before his power grew unstoppable: in {{SA|3430}} they formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In {{SA|3431}} Elendil and Gil-galad marched east to [[Rivendell|Imladris]]; the host was the fairest and most splendid in arms ever seen in Middle-earth and the greatest ever assembled since the [[Host of the Valar]].<ref name="Silm-Rings" />

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Sauron - who is now unable to take fair form<ref name="App-Numenor">{{App|Numenor}}</ref> - returned to [[Mordor]] and in {{SA|3429}} attacked [[Minas Morgul|Minas Ithil]] and burning [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]].<ref name="App-B1" /> [[Isildur]] - son of Elendil - fled north to join his father in Arnor who took counsel with [[Gil-galad]], for both foresaw the need to triumph over Sauron before his power grew unstoppable: in {{SA|3430}} they formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. In {{SA|3431}} Elendil and Gil-galad marched east to [[Rivendell|Imladris]]; the host was the fairest and most splendid in arms ever seen in Middle-earth and the greatest ever assembled since the [[Host of the Valar]].<ref name="Silm-Rings" />

===Third Age===

===Third Age===

=====Arnor and Division=====

=====Arnor and Division=====

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[[File:John Howe - The One Ring 01.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[The One Ring]] by [[John Howe]]]]

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[[File:John Howe - The One Ring 04.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[The One Ring]] by [[John Howe]]]]

:''See also: [[Arnor]]''

:''See also: [[Arnor]]''

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:''See also: ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and [[War of the Ring]]''

:''See also: ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and [[War of the Ring]]''

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On [[March 14]], {{TA|2941}},<ref name="App-Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> a chance encounter between the [[wizards|wizard]] [[Gandalf]] and [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King]] [[Thorin II Oakenshield|Thorin Oakenshield]] in [[Bree]] set in motion a series of events which led to the downfall of [[Sauron]] the establishment of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Thorin was seeking to regain his [[Thráin II|father]]'s [[Erebor|kingdom]] and [[Arkenstone|wealth]] was seeking assistance; Gandalf - worried about the threat of the [[dragons|dragon]] [[Smaug]] - agreed to assist, and forcibly enlisted the help of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="UT-Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> As the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] of fifteen (thirteen [[dwarves]] with Gandalf and Bilbo) travelled towards [[Rivendell]] they [[Roast Mutton|encountered three trolls]] - thanks to Gandalf they avoided death whilst managing to gain the two [[Elves|Elvish]] swords [[Glamdring]] and [[Sting]]. Out of this quest Bilbo obtained [[Gollum]]'s [[The One Ring|magic ring]].<ref name="H-Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

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On [[14 March|March 14]], {{TA|2941}},<ref name="App-Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> a chance encounter between the [[wizards|wizard]] [[Gandalf]] and [[Kings of Durin's Folk|King]] [[Thorin II Oakenshield|Thorin Oakenshield]] in [[Bree]] set in motion a series of events which led to the downfall of [[Sauron]] the establishment of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Thorin was seeking to regain his [[Thráin II|father]]'s [[Lonely Mountain|kingdom]] and [[Arkenstone|wealth]] was seeking assistance; Gandalf - worried about the threat of the [[dragons|dragon]] [[Smaug]] - agreed to assist, and forcibly enlisted the help of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="UT-Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> As the [[Thorin and Company|Company]] of fifteen (thirteen [[dwarves]] with Gandalf and Bilbo) travelled towards [[Rivendell]] they [[Roast Mutton|encountered three trolls]] - thanks to Gandalf they avoided death whilst managing to gain the two [[Elves|Elvish]] swords [[Glamdring]] and [[Sting]]. Out of this quest Bilbo obtained [[Gollum]]'s [[The One Ring|magic ring]].<ref name="H-Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

Following [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's disappearance]] in {{TA|3001}}, Bilbo's "nephew", [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], inherited all of Bilbo's possessions, including Bilbo's ring.<ref name="FR-Party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Bilbo travelled through Eriador, eventually staying with [[Elrond]] in Rivendell, whilst Frodo continued to live in [[Bag End]]. However, by {{TA|3018}}, Frodo, with [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], is forced to set out from [[the Shire]] to head towards Bree in order to deliver what is now known to be [[the One Ring]]; on the way, the [[Hobbits]] encounter the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and [[Barrow-wights]], as well as [[Farmer Maggot]], [[Gildor Inglorion]] and [[Tom Bombadil]]. In [[Bree]], the [[Travellers]] met a man called "[[Aragorn|Strider]]", who had been sent to safely escort the hobbits to Rivendell;<ref name="FR-Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> despite being attacked by Black Riders on [[Weathertop]] and again confronted by them at the [[Ford of Bruinen]], they all eventually make it safely to Rivendell. At Rivendell, a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] decides that [[Fellowship of the Ring|a group of nine people]] should go on a quest to destroy the Ring.<ref name="FR-Council" />

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Following [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's disappearance]] in {{TA|3001}}, Bilbo's "nephew", [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], inherited all of Bilbo's possessions, including Bilbo's ring.<ref name="FR-Party">{{FR|Party}}</ref> Bilbo travelled through Eriador, eventually staying with [[Elrond]] in Rivendell, whilst Frodo continued to live in [[Bag End]]. However, by {{TA|3018}}, Frodo, with [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], is forced to set out from [[the Shire]] to head towards Bree in order to deliver what is now known to be [[the One Ring]]; on the way, the [[Hobbits]] encounter the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and [[Barrow-wights]], as well as [[Farmer Maggot]], [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]] and [[Tom Bombadil]]. In [[Bree]], the [[Travellers]] met a man called "[[Aragorn|Strider]]", who had been sent to safely escort the hobbits to Rivendell;<ref name="FR-Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref> despite being attacked by Black Riders on [[Weathertop]] and again confronted by them at the [[Ford of Bruinen]], they all eventually make it safely to Rivendell. At Rivendell, a [[Council of Elrond|Council]] decides that [[Fellowship of the Ring|a group of nine people]] should go on a quest to destroy the Ring.<ref name="FR-Council" />

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After destroying the [[the One Ring]], witnessing the downfall of [[Sauron]] and the coronation of "Strider" as [[Kings of Gondor|King]] Elessar of [[Gondor]], the four hobbits and Gandalf returned to Eriador.<ref name="RK-Homeward">{{RK|Homeward}}</ref> Gandalf left the hobbits at the [[Old Forest]] - deciding to visit [[Tom Bombadil]] - but when they arrived at the [[Brandywine Bridge]] they saw that [[the Shire]] had been badly affected by [[Saruman]] via his puppet "[[Chief Shirriff|Chief]]" and the use of [[ruffians]]. After breaking many of the new "rules", the four hobbits were escorted to [[Hobbiton]] by a troop of [[Shirriffs]] (including [[Robin Smallburrow]]) where the four hobbits began a rebellion in the form of the successful [[Battle of Bywater]]: the ruffians were killed (as was [[Gríma Wormtongue]]) or captured and the [[Shire-hobbits|Shire-folk]] were liberated (at the cost of [[The Roll|19 lives]]).<ref name="RK-Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

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After destroying the [[the One Ring]], witnessing the downfall of [[Sauron]] and the coronation of "Strider" as [[Kings of Gondor|King]] Elessar of [[Gondor]], the four hobbits and Gandalf returned to Eriador.<ref name="RK-Homeward">{{RK|Homeward}}</ref> Gandalf left the hobbits at the [[Old Forest]] - deciding to visit [[Tom Bombadil]] - but when they arrived at the [[Brandywine Bridge]] they saw that [[the Shire]] had been badly affected by [[Saruman]] via his puppet "[[Chief Shirriff|Chief]]" and the use of [[ruffians]]. After breaking many of the new "rules", the four hobbits were escorted to [[Hobbiton]] by a troop of [[Shirriffs]] (including [[Robin Smallburrow]]) where the four hobbits began a rebellion in the form of the successful [[Battle of Bywater]]: the ruffians were killed (as was [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]]) or captured and the [[Shire-hobbits|Shire-folk]] were liberated (at the cost of [[The Roll|19 lives]]).<ref name="RK-Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

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Following the [[Battle of Bywater]] and the end of the [[War of the Ring]], Frodo temporarily took the position of Deputy [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor]] whilst Sam used [[Sam's garden box|his gift]] from [[Galadriel]] to replenish the Shire of its lost flora (bringing a [[Mallorn]] tree to the [[Party Field]]).<ref name="RK-Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> On [[September 21]], {{TA|3021}}, Frodo and Sam set out from [[the Shire]] to meet the [[Last Riding of the Keepers|Last Riding]] of the [[Three Keepers]]: on [[September 29]] they reached the [[Grey Havens]] where Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Galadriel and [[Elrond]] departed [[Middle-earth]]; the [[Red Book of Westmarch]] was left with Sam.<ref name="App-B4">{{App|Chief}}</ref>

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Following the [[Battle of Bywater]] and the end of the [[War of the Ring]], Frodo temporarily took the position of Deputy [[Mayor of Michel Delving|Mayor]] whilst Sam used [[Sam's garden box|his gift]] from [[Galadriel]] to replenish the Shire of its lost flora (bringing a [[Mallorn]] tree to the [[Party Field]]).<ref name="RK-Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> On [[21 September|September 21]], {{TA|3021}}, Frodo and Sam set out from [[the Shire]] to meet the [[Last Riding of the Keepers|Last Riding]] of the [[Three Keepers]]: on [[29 September|September 29]] they reached the [[Grey Havens]] where Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, Galadriel and [[Elrond]] departed [[Middle-earth]]; the [[Red Book of Westmarch]] was left with Sam.<ref name="App-B4">{{App|Chief}}</ref>

===Fourth Age===

===Fourth Age===

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In the year {{SR|1422|n}} of [[Shire Calendar|Shire-reckoning]] the [[Fourth Age]] began following the department of the [[Ring-bearers]], the defeat of [[Sauron]] and re-establishment of [[Arnor]] in the north and [[Gondor]] in the south. In {{FoA|6}} [[Kings of Arnor|King]] [[Aragorn|Elessar]] of [[Arnor]] makes [[the Shire]] a [[Free Land]] under the protection of the [[Sceptre of Annúminas|Northern Sceptre]] and declares that no [[Men|man]] should ever enter the Shire.<ref name="App-B5">{{App|Later}}</ref> In {{FoA|15}} Elessar stays at [[Lake Evendim]], meeting his friends at [[Brandywine Bridge]]; in {{FoA|31}} he gives the [[Westmarch of the Shire|Westmarch]] - the area between the [[Far Downs]] and [[Tower Hills]] - to the Shire as well as officially adding [[Buckland]] to the Shire.<ref name="Prologue"/> In {{FoA|61}} [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] eventually passed over [[Belegaer|the sea]] and in {{FoA|63}} [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] leave the Shire and travel south to [[Rohan]] and [[Gondor]].<ref name="App-B5"/>

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In the year {{SR|1422|n}} of [[Shire Calendar|Shire-reckoning]] the [[Fourth Age]] began following the department of the [[Ring-bearers]], the defeat of [[Sauron]] and re-establishment of [[Arnor]] in the north and [[Gondor]] in the south. In {{FoA|6}} [[Kings of Arnor|King]] [[Aragorn|Elessar]] of [[Arnor]] makes [[the Shire]] a [[Free Land]] under the protection of the [[Sceptre of Annúminas|Northern Sceptre]] and declares that no [[Men|man]] should ever enter the Shire.<ref name="App-B5">{{App|Later}}</ref> In {{FoA|15}} Elessar stays at [[Lake Evendim]], meeting his friends at [[Brandywine Bridge]]; in {{FoA|31}} he gives the [[Westmarch]] - the area between the [[Far Downs]] and [[Tower Hills]] - to the Shire as well as officially adding [[Buckland]] to the Shire.<ref name="Prologue"/> In {{FoA|61}} [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] eventually passed over [[Belegaer|the sea]] and in {{FoA|63}} [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] leave the Shire and travel south to [[Rohan]] and [[Gondor]].<ref name="App-B5"/>

It is unknown how many, if any, [[Elves]] were left in Eriador during the Fourth Age; presumably very few [[Noldor]], at least.<ref name="RK-Havens"/>

It is unknown how many, if any, [[Elves]] were left in Eriador during the Fourth Age; presumably very few [[Noldor]], at least.<ref name="RK-Havens"/>

Both translations are noticeably similar to the "[[Lone-lands]]" mentioned in ''[[The Hobbit]]'';<ref name="Hob-Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> it is unknown whether they are the same or simply coincidental.

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This second translation is noticeably similar to the "[[Lone-lands]]" mentioned in ''[[The Hobbit]]'';<ref name="Hob-Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref> it is unknown whether the two are the same or simply coincidental.

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==In Other Versions of the Legendarium==

==In Other Versions of the Legendarium==

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In earlier sketches of the [[maps]] of [[Middle-earth]] Eriador is originally called "Forodwaith" - the name which is now applied to the [[Forodwaith (lands)|very cold region]] to the north of [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="Treason">{{HM|TI}}, "The First Map", pp. 305-306</ref>

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In earlier sketches of the [[maps]] of [[Middle-earth]] Eriador is originally called "Forodwaith" - the name which is now applied to the [[Forodwaith (lands)|very cold region]] to the north of [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="Treason">{{TI|MII}}, pp. 305-306</ref>

It was inhabited by all the Free peoples of Middle-earth, being the location of many of the most important events of the Second and Third Ages. By the end of the Third Age its main inhabitants were Hobbits of the Shire and the surrounding lands.

Boundaries

First Age

It is known that the Blue Mountains existed during the First Age more formidable and longer than in the latter Ages;[1] whereas Melkor reared the Misty Mountains before the arrival of the Elves in order to hinder Oromë[2]. These ranges surrounded the eastern and western borders of Eriador.

The Iron Mountains (Ered Engrin) stretched across the north of the world in a curve from east to west, standing on the border of the region of everlasting cold[3] and can be considered that they were northern border of Eriador.[4]

It is unclear what the borders of Eriador were to the south; it is unknown whether the Greyflood or Lune rivers even existed in the First Age. Presumably the Greyflood followed the same route through Eriador to the lower end of the extended Blue Mountains - before reaching the sea somewhere to the west of the White Mountains.[5]

Geography

Eriador was a large, inhabited temperate region in the north-west of Middle-earth which enjoyed warm summers and increasingly cool winters.[6] At its widest extent, it stretched for around 675 miles from east-to-west, around 690 miles from north-to-south, 740 miles from northeast-to-southwest and 750 miles from northwest-to-southeast.[7]

Not all of the Teleri continued on the march as when the host reached the great river AnduinLenwë led some of his people southwards away from the rest of his kin: these people became the Nandor.[2] Some of these people eventually passed into Eriador, and dwelt there for a time, before Denethor, son of Lenwë, gathered as many of the Nandor as possible and removed to Ossiriand to become the Laiquendi.[15]

Another group that awoke and appeared during this time were the Firebeard and Broadbeam Dwarves. After they had awakened beneath Mount Dolmed, they eventually crossed over into Beleriand in 1250 and encountered the Sindar for the first time.
They also built the two great Dwarf cities of Nogrod and Belegost in the Ered Luin, which were the chief suppliers of weaponry to the Elves of Beleriand, and as well as home to the world's greatest crafters.

In S.A.600 the first Númenórean ships began to visit Middle-earth and when news of this reached the Men of Eriador they were amazed and scared. On the Tower Hills the Númenóreans met with just twelve Men from Eriador and both sides recognised their ancient kinship: the Númenóreans discovered that these people lived in the hills east of the Baranduin and were likely the descendants of the people of Bëor and Hador who never crossed the Blue Mountains.[20]

In S.A.725Aldarion first visits Lindon and Eriador and begins a long-lasting friendship with Gil-galad. He made many voyages to Middle-earth and established the haven of Vinyalondë (later known as Lond Daer) on the banks of the river Gwathir - a move which proved crucial in defeating Sauron later in the Second Age.[20] As a mariner, Aldarion had a great desire to build ships and in order to this he began deforesting much of the Minhiriath and Enedwaith; this angered the native forest-dwelling Men who subsequently fled to the forest of Eryn Vorn.[11]

War with Sauron

The Noldor of Eregion grew in unparalleled friendship with the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, to the benefit of both peoples, and there was much traffic between the Elven city of Ost-in-Edhil and the West-gate of Moria. In Eregion the Elven craftsmen became great in knowledge as they were led by Celebrimbor, grandson of Fëanor, the most skilled of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain ("the People of the Jewel-smiths").[30]

Sauron saw that the Elves of Eregion were vulnerable and he came to them in the guise of Annatar, "Lord of Gifts", and they welcomed him and he taught them many things of lore and smith-craft. In S.A.1500, when the knowledge and skill of the Elves reached its height, they began the forging of the Rings of Power, but, in S.A.1600, Sauron secretly created the One Ring to rule over all the other Rings.[30]

When Sauron put on the Ring the Elves realised they had been fooled so they hid all the other Rings from him; Sauron, however, demanded that all the Rings be given to him as they were created with his help. When the Elves refused Sauron was vengeful and in S.A.1693 began the War of the Elves and Sauron with an invasion of Eriador in 1695.[30]Elrond was sent by Gil-galad with a force to aid Celebrimbor, but not only they were unable to stop Sauron, but they would also be destroyed if it weren't for an attack upon Sauron's force from the rear by Dwarves from Khazad-dûm. With some survivors from Eregion, Elrond retreated northwards.[31]

Death of Celebrimbor by Abe Papakhian

In 1697, with Celebrimbor's death and Eregion lain waste, Elrond founded the refuge of Imladris as a defence against Sauron, and was joined by Men and Elves, swelling his forces; Sauron had taken over all of Eriador by S.A.1699, once he drove the Dwarves back into Khazad-dûm and the gates were shut. While Sauron sent most of his army west to attack Lindon he had to leave a strong detachment behind to contain Elrond[31]and besieged Imladris.[16]

Gil-galad sent word to KingTar-Minastir of Númenor calling for aid, but when the ships finally arrived in S.A.1700 (landing in Lindon and Vinyalondë) Sauron was already preparing his invasion of Lindon. The forces of Gil-galad, Elrond and Ciryatur caused heavy losses at Sarn Ford before Sauron's forces were utterly destroyed at the Battle of the Gwathló, with Sauron barely escaping with his life. However, Eriador lay in ruins as many of the native Men, Elves and Númenóreans had been killed by Sauron and his forces had ravaged the lands and destroyed many of the remaining forests.[11]

The Elven lords decided in a Council that Imladris should become the new Elvish stronghold in eastern Eriador after the destruction of Eregion; Gil-galad also bestowed the ring Vilya upon Elrond and made him his vice-regent.[31]

The unity of Arnor was broken, however, when, in Third Age861, following the death of the tenth king, Eärendur, the dissension amongst his three sons led to the division of Arnor into three kingdoms: Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur. There was often strife between the kingdoms, especially over ownership of the Weather Hills and the chief Palantír of the North at Amon Sûl, and this quickened the waning of the Dúnedain.[21]

The line of Isildur was maintained with the Kings of Arthedain all the way through to Aragorn II, but the line of kings in Cardolan and Rhudaur quickly dwindled. By 1349, with the rule of Argeleb I, the Kings of Arthedain were once again claiming lordship over all of Arnor and prefixed their names with ar- in recognition of this.[25]

Rise of Angmar

In the year T.A.1300[18] evil things begin to return to the world with the Witch-king founding the evil realm of Angmar beyond the Ettenmoors in the far north-east of Eriador, hoping to utterly destroy the Dúnedain of the North, seeing hope in the fragmentation of Arnor.[21]

Destruction of Arnor

After many years of silence, King Araphant of Arthedain and King Ondoher of Gondor renewed communications between the two realms as they perceived that there was a single power directing the enemies or both Arnor and Gondor,[34] as such in T.A.1940 Araphant's son Arvedui married Ondoher's daughter Fíriel.[18] Despite the marriage, neither kingdom was able to send aid to the other as Angmar continued to attack Athedain while the Wainriders attacked Gondor; in the Battle of the Camp of T.A.1944 Ondoher was killed.

On the death of Ondoher and his sons, Arvedui of the North-kingdom claimed the crown of Gondor, as the direct descendent of Isildur, and as the husband of Fíriel, only surviving child of Ondoher. The claim was rejected. In this Pelendur, the Steward of King Ondoher, played the chief part.

The Council of Gondor answer: "The crown and royalty of Gondor belongs solely with the heirs of Meneldil, son of Anárion, to whom Isildur relinquished this realm. In Gondor this heritage is reckoned through the sons only; and we have not heard that the law is otherwise in Arnor."—J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"

Instead, a distant relative, Eärnil, was chosen as King. Arvedui did not press his claim, but nor did the Dúnedain of the North forget it, for their kingdom diminished as foretold by Malbeth the Seer: in T.A.1974 Angmar returned with renewed vigour, attacking the Dúnedain, capturing Fornost and destroying Arnor. After holding out for a while on the North Downs, Arvedui was forced to flee to the mountains where he stayed in some old dwarf mines; out of hunger, he and his men travelled north and spent the winter with the Lossoth on the Icebay of Forochel. Arvedui perished and two palantíri were lost.[21]

Eärnil had told Arvedui, "I do not forget the royalty of Arnor, nor deny our kinship, nor wish that the realms of Elendil be estranged. I will send to your aid when you have need, so long as I am able."[34] In T.A.1973 he received a request for aid and sent his son, Eärnur, north with a great host: they arrived at the Grey Havens too late. However, in T.A.1975Círdan and Eärnur amassed a great army and met the forces of Angmar on the plain by Lake Nenuial in the Battle of Fornost: the force was too strong for the Witch-king and his army fled but his retreat was cut off by Gondor's cavalry and a host of Elves led by Glorfindel who had come north from Rivendell.[18]

Despite the utter destruction of Angmar, Arthedain was also over. Arvedui's son, Aranarth, took the title "Chieftain of the Dúnedain" and the heirlooms of Arnor were given into the keeping of Elrond.[18] The Dúnedain continued as a secretive and wandering people, fighting with the sons of Elrond to protect their former lands: they mostly lived out their full lives (save for Aragorn I who was slain by wolves) until the days of Arassuil when evil things began to multiply again.[21]